During the final years of the 1980s, I set out on a low-cost journey to Europe with a companion. Because my friend was interested in enrolling in graduate studies in the Big Apple, we had booked a 14-day stopover there en route to London.
We reached the graduate housing, a sizeable multi-story edifice on the Manhattan's Upper West Side known as International House. Setting down our luggage, we made our way to the canteen, where we picked up meals, sat down, and started talking to people eating there.
Beside me was an individual of Iraqi origin studying engineering at an Ivy League institution. He asked me what I did for a living, and I explained that I had recently completed my studies with a science degree and had been working on studies involving microscopic analysis.
He pointed out that there was an research lab at the university – close to the school of engineering, which was how he knew about it. He proposed that I ought to seek a position with them. I dismissed the idea, telling him that I was soon departing to Europe and, additionally, I didn’t have a US visa.
The following day I toured the city, returning to the canteen that evening. The engineering student came up to me and informed me that he had organized a discussion for me with the leader of the research team at Columbia. Since he had gone to the trouble, I went to the meeting – but right away explained to my prospective employer that I lacked the necessary visa, so I was likely not a suitable candidate.
Reflecting the city's spirit – a metropolis where anything feels possible – she responded: “We'll handle it. When can you start?” I never got on that flight to London.
I worked there for a trio of years. A perk of the job was that I was granted complimentary education at Columbia, and I used the opportunity to finish a graduate degree in global studies.
I lost touch with him and I am unaware of his identity, but his selfless gesture altered my destiny in numerous aspects. I would never have had the bravery or self-assurance to approach someone at an prestigious college and request employment. Additionally, I had always wanted to study abroad, but could never have afforded it without that free tuition.
Critically, that gig at Columbia led me to a role in Europe where I got to know my wonderful partner, with whom I now have four amazing children. It was a total sliding doors moment. That helpful person set me on a different course in life, and I’m always appreciative.
What is the Most Generous Act a Unknown Person Has Shown for You?
Whether it's making your day to transforming your future, we would love to know chance encounters that have left a lasting impression.
Feel free to recount your experience if you are an adult, without revealing your identity if you prefer. The stories you tell are confidential, and are solely for the purpose of this feature.
